Poor health increasing among Australians

The number of Australians living in poor health has risen for the first time in two decades. (Alan Porritt/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Sickness and disease within the Australian population is on the rise for the first time in almost two decades - and COVID-19 is one of the leading causes.

Despite the increase, the nation remains healthier than it was when monitoring started in 2003, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says.